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Physician Pool

The USSA Physician Pool is comprised of more than 200 licensed medical providers of various specialties who volunteer their time and financial resources to provide medical services to the Team. Requirements for membership include screening by the USSA Medical Committee and regular participation in USSA training courses. Once established as pool members, medical providers are scheduled annually to travel with a team to provide medical care and assistance to USSA staff in the management of our athletes.

Team physicians are responsible for keeping abreast of the medical issues involved with athletes they oversee. They serve as the primary resource for the head coach, therapist/trainer, medical director or coordinator regarding medical issues relating to an athlete’s ability to train or compete. They also provide recommendations regarding further evaluation, diagnostic procedures and treatment plans and maintain up-to-date information on the medical and participation status of all athletes.

USSA Physician Pool Protocol

Any physician interested in participating in the USSA Physician Pool is invited to do so by satisfying the requirements listed below and submitting the requested documents and information to the USSA medical department. The medical director, USSA Medical Committee, and the USSA medical staff will meet on an annual basis to review applications and determine acceptance as "Active Members" of the USSA Physician Pool.

New applicants will be required to complete both the USSA Medical Emergencies in Skiing and Snowboarding course as well as an initial travel coverage assignment with a team on a trial basis. Once they have been evaluated, and with a successful event, they may be officially added to the USSA physician pool the following year.

Use of USSA physician logo and association with USSA will not be allowed until officially added to the pool as an “active member." Failure to meet the goals and expectations may result in a one-year probation period followed by removal from "active pool."

Physician Pool Application Requirements

U.S. citizen and currently board-certified in your field of practice

History of involvement in athlete, event or athletic team coverage

No limited scope restrictions or sanctions against medical license, nor history of loss of medical license

Must be capable of performing the essential functions of the position (for example ski ability on World Cup courses) and be available on call 24/7 while traveling with respective team

Willing to provide the financial resources necessary to travel with a team on a trip at least every other year

Current background screening through USSA

Complete anti-doping education through an online program from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency

Completion of the USSA Medical Emergencies in Skiing and Snowboarding Course.

Physician Pool Documentation Requirements

Submit the following documents to the attention of the USSA Medical Director or Gillian Bower (medical@ussa.org)

Current Curriculum Vitae

A minimum of three letters of reference from peers, coaches/athletes, athletic directors, and staff members of organizations you have worked with in the past.

Verification of credentials, license and DEA #

Proof of current malpractice insurance

Maintaining Active Member Status

Pool physicians are expected to travel once every three years to maintain “active status.

Attendance at USSA Medical Emergencies in Skiing and Snowboarding (MESS) CME course once every four years to stay abreast of current standards and policies.

Physicians must maintain a current Background Screening with USSA in compliance with USSA dedication to providing a SafeSport environment for it's athletes.

Physicians must complete annual "coaches advantage" tutorial through USADA to demonstrate current awareness of anti-doping rules.

Approved Logo UsageIn recognition of the importance of contribution to the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding, any physician who is an active current member of the USSA Physician Pool will be allowed to use an USSA Physician Pool logo icon. The icon will include the respective Team logo, packaged with appropriate text. USSA Physician Pool members can access the logos available along with specific usage guidelines and terminology as follows:

Physican must be a current, active member of USSA Physician Pool.

Use of the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Snowboarding logos is NOT ALLOWED. These are reserved for USSA's regional medical suppleirs only. Report the misuse of any of USSA trademarked logos to the medical director for appropriate action.

PT/ATC Pool Program

The USSA has established a rotational pool of volunteer PTs and ATCs from clinics around the country to provide daily medical management at camps and competitions. They are responsible for acute care while with the Team as well as communicating ongoing medical issue management strategies to the Team PT and/or ATC, medical director or coordinator to ensure continuity of care. The rotational pool is completely voluntary or sponsored by USSA regional medical sponsors. These voluntary PTs and ATCs take time away from their established employment to provide medical care to teams. The Team PT and/or ATC is responsible for scheduling these volunteers, which is determined by resource allocation from teams to cover travel expenses.

PT/ATC Pool Program Requirements

Certified athletic trainer or licensed physical therapist with a background in sports injuries

Current first aid and CPR (Professional Rescuer) with bag valve mask and AED certification

History of involvement in athlete, event and athletic team coverage

Advanced ski or snowboard ability

Must be capable of performing the essential functions of the position and be available on call 24/7 while traveling with respective team

Independent in traveling and adaptable/flexible in adverse working conditions

PT/ATC Pool reports directly to the head coach of assigned team, head Team PT/ATC and USSA medical director